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Malaysia to Host Two New IRONMAN Events in 2014

Malaysian Government official, Mr Zulkefli Sharif joined with IRONMAN CEO Andrew Messick and IRONMAN Asia Pacific CEO Geoff Meyer at a special function at Kailua-Kona to launch IRONMAN Malaysia and IRONMAN 70.3 Putrajaya.

Malaysia will host two new IRONMAN races next year after Government officials launched the new events in Hawaii today on the eve of the IRONMAN World Championship.

IRONMAN 70.3 Putrajaya will be held on the weekend of 12-13 April 2014, and IRONMAN Malaysia on the island resort of Langkawi on Saturday, 27 September. Malaysian Government official, Mr Zulkefli Sharif joined with IRONMAN CEO Andrew Messick and IRONMAN Asia Pacific CEO Geoff Meyer at a special function at Kailua-Kona today to launch the dual events.

Mr Zulkefli Sharif CEO of Malaysia Major Events said it was great privilege to have IRONMAN return to our country and we’re expecting great interest from international athletes.

"We are extremely excited to welcome IRONMAN back to Langkawi and IRONMAN 70.3 Putrajaya. IRONMAN has had a long history with our country and we are looking forward in welcoming athletes from all over the world with our warm hospitality and offer them a unique cultural experience of Malaysia - Truly Asia.

Mr Meyer said the IRONMAN brand is delighted to be returning to Malaysia next year.

"It has been three years since South East Asia hosted an IRONMAN event and the sport has grown significantly in that time. IRONMAN Malaysia and IRONMAN 70.3 Putrajaya will bring a brand new energy to the triathlon community in this part of the world and we look forward to delivering memorable race experiences in spectacular destinations for athletes from around the world."

Putrajaya, a dynamic city situated 32 kms from Kuala Lumpur, symbolizes modern Malaysia. The green and intelligent city, a mix of the spectacular old and new, is the federal administrative centre of the country.

Athletes will race on a rolling fast IRONMAN 70.3 course in hot conditions amidst an iconic landscape that showcases Malaysia’s rich culture captured in a spectacular display of architecture.

Langkawi Island sets the stage for athletes from around the world to be taken on a truly Malaysian tropical cultural journey. Athletes will be embraced by the local Kampung (village) communities as they embark on their personal IRONMAN journey amidst one of the most welcoming and beautiful destinations in South East Asia.

IRONMAN Malaysia is one of 32 qualifying races on the global IRONMAN circuit that culminate with the IRONMAN World Championship in Hawaii each October. IRONMAN Malaysia will offer 40 age group qualifying slots for Hawaii in 2015.

IRONMAN 70.3 Putrajaya is one of 60 events worldwide that qualify athletes for the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships. IRONMAN 70.3 Putrajaya will offer 30 age group qualifying slots for the 2014 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Mont Tremblant, Canada on 7 September.

Professional athletes will be competing for a total prize purse of USD$40,000 for IRONMAN Malaysia and USD$15,000 for IRONMAN 70.3 Putrajaya.

Online entries for both events will open on Thursday, 7 November 2013 via the respective websites.

For additional information on IRONMAN Malaysia or to register for the 2014 race, please visit ironman.com/malaysia.

For additional information on IRONMAN 70.3 Putrajaya or to register for the 2014 race, please visit ironman.com/putrajaya70.3.